What is Stem: Definition and 160 Discussions

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is a broad term used to group together these academic disciplines. This term is typically used to address an education policy or curriculum choices in schools. It has implications for workforce development, national security concerns and immigration policy. The science in STEM typically refers to two out of the three major branches of science: natural sciences, including biology, physics, and chemistry; and formal sciences, of which mathematics is an example, along with logic and statistics. The third major branch of science, social science such as: psychology, sociology, and political science, are categorized separately from the other two branches of science, and are instead grouped together with humanities and arts to form another counterpart acronym named HASS (Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences), rebranded in the UK in 2020 as SHAPE.The acronym was adopted by Rita Colwell and other science administrators in the National Science Foundation (NSF) in 2001. However, the acronym STEM predates NSF and was used by a variety of educators including Charles E. Vela, the founder and director of the Center for the Advancement of Hispanics in Science and Engineering Education (CAHSEE). In the early 1990s, CAHSEE started a summer program for talented under-represented students in the Washington, DC area called the STEM Institute. Based on the program's recognized success and his expertise in STEM education, Charles Vela was asked to serve on numerous NSF and Congressional panels in science, mathematics and engineering education; it is through this manner that NSF was first introduced to the acronym STEM. One of the first NSF projects to use the acronym was STEMTEC, the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Teacher Education Collaborative at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, which was founded in 1998.

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  1. despues18

    Programs Seeking advice on how to search for a Graduate School in Molecular Biology

    Will finish B.S. in molecular biology in May. Have found asking vague questions about where to go/apply to next are pretty unhelpful. I believe that going through indexes of interesting research is the closest I can get to finding a place to advance myself and be happy in. here is an example...
  2. R

    Source for Reviews/New Listings for STEM Titles

    The WSJ and the NY Times, among other media sources, have their best sellers/new titles lists of published books. I seek the same but for STEM titles. (STEM is the acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.) I can find such lists recommending history or biography or other...
  3. gleem

    Other A guide for new STEM undergrads

    I just stumbled across a book which new undergrads might find valuable; "What Every Science Student Should Know" by Bauer, Kim, Zureick, Lee (2016) ( https://www.amazon.com/dp/022619888X/?tag=pfamazon01-20 ). Its subtitle is "A survival guide for undergrads". Up to 60% of new STEM majors do...
  4. preachingpirate24

    Admissions Chances of Getting into MIT as an International Student from India

    Hey! I'm a 11th grader right now, and I'm really interested in majoring in physics, and maybe engineering too. Now, I know that it's really hard to get into MIT, Harvard, Caltech, and all those really great institutes with amazing physics undergrad courses (The best in the world apparently...
  5. J

    Question for STEM high school teachers — What do you like and dislike?

    As a STEM teacher at a public high school, what are some things you like and dislike about your job?
  6. berkeman

    Medical Stem Cell Injections Improve Motor, Sensory Function Post Spinal Cord Injury

    This is a wonderful area of active research. Early in my EE career, I was interested in trying to use IC-scale nerve interfaces to bypass spinal cord injuries, but the science of interfacing electronics to nerve cells for long-term use was not developed enough. Even today, it is a problematic...
  7. Eclair_de_XII

    Math There are no job sites for STEM majors with no experience, are there?

    I'm currently living in Hawaii, and am having trouble finding good work. I have been using Indeed without much success at all. I also know about Monster and Glassdoor, but I tend to want to stick to just one generic job-hunting site. I recently found a job site associated apparently with the...
  8. robins thomas

    What are the benefits of STEM Learning Education for kids?

    What is benefits of STEM Learning Education for kids?
  9. X

    Music Where are all the STEM songs hiding?

    From the first time I listened a song with lyrics, almost all popular songs are about relationships between people (especially romantic relationships). Modern songs other than this topic does exist, but very rare. Especially for STEM songs, I doubt they even exist on the radio or TV, and...
  10. S

    Automotive Design of a Valve stem cross section in a Steam turbine emergency valve

    I want to design cross section area required for valve stem when valve is closed under spring force. Valve stem should be designed for buckling load but I am unable to calculate buckling load coming due to impact force coming when valve bangs on valve seat. Valve is having concentric spring. Is...
  11. fresh_42

    B Mathematics in STEM fields: GATEKEEPER OR GATEWAY?

    I found this interesting article https://blogs.ams.org/matheducation/2019/02/14/mathematics-gatekeeper-or-gateway written by Mark Saul So the question is: What is mathematics: A necessary evil or the universal language physics is written with? If you tune in on a random tv quiz show and wait...
  12. T

    Stem cells question and gum lift/gum grafting

    do gum stem cells exist for 100% regeneration of my gums and do stem cell teeth treatment exist as well?what is a gum lift and what does it do for the human mouth? what does gum graphting do? I had asked this in a dentistry forum and its been a year or over 2 months with no response from them so...
  13. blackmage

    How do body modifications impact career opportunities in STEM fields?

    So i was thinking about getting a tattoo. I already have a septum piercing. Next year I am starting my math major with a minor in physics. I'm hoping to get into research later down the path. How are body modifications perceived in grad/post grad-school? Do any of you have them?
  14. C

    Explore and Discover Microscopy for Kids with STEM Ambassador

    Hi. I'm a retired several-sciences guy, a STEM Ambassador encouraging kids to look at science, hopefully fostering interest. I'm also interested in microscopy. I/we are looking for ideas for small items which demonstrate interesting/educational things, for kids to look at through microscopes...
  15. gibberingmouther

    Studying A programmer branching out into other STEM topics

    so I'm a computer science major about halfway done with my degree (i have an associate's and am waiting to resume school maybe in the fall or spring). i really enjoy learning new physics and math and about electronics (i have a few electronics workbooks that are outdated, but they are still...
  16. M

    Programs Best complementary degree for computer science?

    What would be the best degree to have along side a degree in computer science? I am thinking it is either physics or mathematics. My interests involve, robotics, artificial general intelligence, 3D graphics, computer vision, neural nets, file compression and aerospace engineering(It’s an...
  17. M

    Schools Which field of study has the highest professor employment?

    Hi, I was wondering what stem field has the greatest likely hood to employ one as a professor at a university. I am deciding between mathematics, physics and computer science. My father is a professor in computer science but I am not entirely sure which field I want to become a professor in(or...
  18. Demystifier

    Other Comprehensive List of STEM Bibles: Physics, Mechanics, Electrodynamics, etc.

    By STEM I mean science, technology, engineering and math. By a bible, I mean a book which is comprehensive, big and heavy (both physically and intellectually), authoritative, and generally highly respected in the community as the standard book that contains more-or-less everything one needs to...
  19. PetSounds

    Other Exploring STEM Opportunities for High School Students

    Although I'll (hopefully) be attending university next fall, I would love to cut my teeth on some STEM-related work before then. However, I don't know what kind of jobs are open to a high school student. I've considered dropping in at the university in my town---it's hardly elite, but hey---and...
  20. J

    This is the problem with STEAM (and STEM to a lesser extent)

    Apologies, but this is going to be a long rant to start a discussion. TL;DR: STEM (STEAM), like many forms of government and economics, are great in principle, but terrible when people get involved. At my high school we are required to participate in Professional Learning Communities...
  21. jedishrfu

    Medical Can Stem Cells Cause Harm in the Fight Against Disease?

    An article from Science magazine on the potential side-effects of stem cell cures: http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2017/07/stem-cell-transplant-helped-beat-back-young-doctors-cancer-now-its-assaulting-his-body This is something I've not considered. Stem cell research is the next big thing but...
  22. e.bar.goum

    Teaching STEM at the Time of Political Distress

    I just came across this article from UPenn physical chemist Prof. Zahra Fakhraai on "Teaching STEM at the Time of Political Distress" ( http://www.upenn.edu/almanac/volumes/v63/n20/teaching.html ) . I found the article inspiring at a time when it is often hard to focus on research, and when...
  23. C

    Job Skills Increased demand for STEM in the next 4 years?

    Supposing immigration is heavily restricted in the future will there be an increased demand for home-grown US STEM in the next 4-8 years? How will these new rules impact the job market for US citizens? What sectors do you think will experience the biggest surge in demand?
  24. S

    Other Which STEM field could be the most employable in 2017?

    Hi everyone! I thought I would pose this question to all of you on PF. Which STEM field do you think could be the most employable in the US and Canada in 2017, based on the following: (1) Past demand in the US and Canada circa 2015 and 2016. (2) Current demand in the US and Canada as of today...
  25. D

    Programs How did you choose your STEM major?

    Hello, So I am having the hardest time choosing a major to stick to. Good thing i have a bunch of math classes to deal with. What factors did you look into when deciding upon your major? I looked at everything from interests to job outlook to salary. I get the idea at times people major in...
  26. Varun Narayanan

    Programs Exploring STEM: Math, Physics, and Engineering Majors

    Hey guys I am a senior headed to university I considering studying STEM. I am not sure what is the difference between applied mathematics, engineering physics and engineering. Within engineering what is the difference between electrical, mechanical and chemical? Which one is suitable for those...
  27. Ygggdrasil

    Mouse oocytes made from stem cells

    Published today in Nature: http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2016/10/mouse-egg-cells-made-entirely-lab-give-rise-healthy-offspring Citation: Hikabe et al. 2016. Reconstitution in vitro of the entire cycle of the mouse female germ line. Nature. Published online Oct 17 2016...
  28. T

    Schools Maryland STEM Colleges: Best Options for High Schooler

    Hi everyone, I'm a high schooler looking at colleges, and as I live in Maryland it would be best if I can find a suitable college in state. I plan on pursuing a double major, in Math and either Computer Science, Biochemistry, or Physics. I am unsure what kind of career I want exactly, only that...
  29. G

    Schools How many college courses are "TOO" many?

    I am in high school and my school offers very little in the way of higher level STEM classes. I want very badly to delve deeper into this topics so I want to take college classes over the summer. I want to take a Computer Science class and if possible I want to take an Enginnering or Science...
  30. Andy Resnick

    "The Math Myth and Other STEM Delusions"

    I read Andrew Hacker's opinion piece in this Sunday's NYTimes and was intrigued: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/28/opinion/sunday/the-wrong-way-to-teach-math.html?_r=0 The main thesis is that there's a disconnect between the K-12 content taught to students and the need for students to master...
  31. N

    What are some engaging mathematics topics for a STEM Fair presentation?

    Hello all, hope all is well. I come seeking ideas to present at my college's STEM Fair coming up in a few months. To give you idea of my mathematical background, I am currently taking Differential Equations(ODE) and Discrete Math. I have completed Calc I,II, Vector Calculus and Linear...
  32. R

    Navigating STEM Course Sequences: Advice for Liberal Arts Majors

    I am a major in liberal arts and science ( or at least still trying to decide on which STEM field i will be going in ) and right now i am going to take intro science courses (general biology 1 and 2, chemistry 1 and 2, physics 1 and 2) and also math courses. After i am done with the intro...
  33. B

    Can Any STEM Ph.D. Teach High School Math?

    Would anyone obtaining a STEM Ph.D. have the mathematical knowledge to teach high school math (the highest math class in my hs was a choice between statistics and calculus)? Also, what about community college? E.g., Would...say...a mechanical engineering Ph.D. or physics Ph.D, for example...
  34. micromass

    Most influencial STEM papers or books

    Recently, I've been interested in finding out the most cited science paper. The result can be found here, and is rather startling http://www.nature.com/news/the-top-100-papers-1.16224 It turns out the most cited science paper is: "Protein measurement with the folin phenol reagent." by Lowry...
  35. K

    Schools College-level STEM competitions, fairs and olympiads

    I've been interested in participating in some kind of college-level international/national STEM competitions (single or team), fairs (research based) or olympiads mainly because I never had in high school and want to experience it, but I've noticed in my search that 95% of these types of...
  36. C

    Did I take the wrong courses in High School? (STEM)

    I'm a bit confused about some of the international criteria. I'll be applying to colleges this year and I want a career in STEM. I'm thinking BSc in Physics and Mathematics. But I've only taken two years of Maths, Physics, Chem and Bio in my first two years of High School. Then I took Principles...
  37. R

    Is Intelligence the Only Measure of Success in Medicine and STEM Fields?

    Hello all, this isn't meant to be a scientific post, just a conversation. I was wondering what people think, in their opinion. As a former premed I run across a huge amount of medical students and hopefuls who looked down on other professions including STEM Ph.Ds (yes, I didn't make that up) Of...
  38. TranscedentKid

    Schools Between H.S and college: would like pre-study STEM advice?

    The safe path for me is pre-med, which means biology. For career purposes, I imagine it's in my best interests to double major (Bio, computer sci, maybe a minor in business or economics). I've been told that having tech schools will make an M.D. even more valuable. Which reminds me-- I've been...
  39. S

    Which STEM fields are actually in demand in the US now?

    Hi everyone. I have written similar threads about this in the past, but I thought that now would be a good time to revive this topic (as a snapshot of STEM demand, if you will). So I would like to ask the following questions: 1. Which STEM fields are actually in demand in the US as of 2015? 2...
  40. TranscedentKid

    Anyone who made it with some ADHD and a late start in STEM?

    I'm a more creative, "jumpy mind", visual kind of guy. I think I want to be in the engineering/business sort of thing. I'm on my way into college. I've often felt intimidated by STEM people, and I've never really felt motivated to start hardening the basics until now. I have zero talent...
  41. blue_leaf77

    Material in STEM needs to have references

    Hasn't somebody thought that any material posted under STEM learning material should have at least one reference (preferably books or papers) written along? The purpose of the author who wrote the material is obviously for the material to be of use for the readers who are in need in the related...
  42. B

    Explaining equation to stem class

    I am a volunteer teaching a STEM class once a week to a class of eight elementary students. From this page http://tbpmindset.org/modules/SECME/Rockets/Rockets_Calculations_Manual.pdf I use this equation for water flow out of a water rocket m = nozzle_area * discharge_coeficient * SQRT( 2 *...
  43. N

    How to get over being a grade perfectionist?

    I have always been interested in majoring in a STEM field. I never saw myself as a scientist, per say, (I abhor labs) but I always thought I would major in physics, math, or computer science. However, recently I have been very offset by the relatively low grades given out in my STEM classes than...
  44. C

    Job Skills Breaking Barriers: Understanding Male Perceptions of Women in STEM Careers

    Hello friends, A few days ago I have stumbled upon this article that describes among other things various experiences some women can face while majoring and working in the STEM field. Here is the link...
  45. Greg Bernhardt

    Meet STEM Educators | Get a Shout Out from the Experts

    Let's get a shout out from our STEM educators out there. If you're involved in the STEM education world please introduce yourself. Tell us how you are involved and maybe where.
  46. davgonz90

    Difference Between Stem Cell and Transit Amplifying Cell

    In as simple-to-understand language as possible, I'm having trouble wrapping my head around this ?:) Thank you in advance everyone.
  47. S

    White vs. Black Women's Stereotype Experiences in STEM

    http://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2014/11/black-girls-stand-a-better-chance-in-stem/383094/ This was from last month, but still an interesting read.
  48. S

    Teaching STEM at Community College Level Credentials?

    I'm wondering what the minimum educational attainment is for teaching at a community college (particularly in a STEM field)? And is there such a thing as "tenure" at a community college that is equivalent to tenure at a "regular" university? Lastly, is it easy to procure a teaching position at...
  49. S

    A question to STEM graduates 2008-present

    Hi everyone. I just I would pose this question to those who graduated with a STEM degree between the years of 2008 to the present. I wanted to find out among those graduates, how long it took you to find employment (whether full time, contract, or part-time). Part of the reason I'm posting this...
  50. stardust

    Working in STEM fields with a criminal record

    Over seven years ago, I was homeless for a period of time. During this time, i was arrested twice and convicted twice for theft under $500 dollars. In both instances I only stole food to feed myself (although I don't believe it matters, as I imagine it isn't reflected on the record). Since then...
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